Two Catholic reverend sisters were abducted by gunmen along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday evening. The victims, identified as Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli, were reportedly returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji community when the incident occurred.
Details of the Abduction
The victims were members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Onitsha, Anambra State. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the congregation’s Secretary-General, Maria Ikeotuonye, the church expressed deep sadness over the incident.
The statement, titled “Notification of Kidnap and Call for Prayers”, revealed the roles of the kidnapped sisters in their community:
- Sr. Nwankwo serves as the Principal of Archbishop Charles Harvey Memorial Model Secondary School in Ufuma.
- Sr. Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.
The church appealed for prayers for the swift and unconditional release of the sisters.
“We commend our sisters to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers. We solicit your fervent prayers and supplications to God that they may come back to us safe and sound,” the statement read.
Police Response
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and initiated a joint operation aimed at rescuing the victims. Speaking on the matter, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that law enforcement officers are actively pursuing leads to ensure the sisters’ safe return.
Ikenga explained that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, visited the scene for a detailed assessment.
“The sad incident occurred on the evening of January 7, 2025, when the nuns were returning from a vocational service meeting in Ogboji. A police-led joint operation is ongoing for the possible rescue of the victims,” Ikenga noted.
Investigative Progress
The police confirmed they are working on certain clues to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Details of the ongoing investigation remain confidential, but authorities assured the public of timely updates.
Community Appeal and Hope for Resolution
The abduction has left the local community in distress, with many residents and religious groups joining in prayers for the safe return of the sisters. The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary urged the public to remain calm and hopeful, while expressing confidence in the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
Rising Security Concerns in Anambra
This incident adds to growing concerns over security in Anambra State, where cases of kidnapping have persisted despite government and police efforts. The abduction of religious figures, often seen as symbols of peace and unity, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the region.
The police and other security agencies have called on citizens to provide any useful information that could aid in the rescue operation.
Hobnob News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this unfolding situation.
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